James Milner turned down offers from two of his former clubs to pen an additional one-year deal at Anfield, according to reports.
The 36-year-old midfielder was out of contract in the summer, but agreed to stay for a further season under the leadership of Jurgen Klopp following their two-trophy season.
We are delighted to announce that @JamesMilner has signed a new contract extension with the Reds 🙌🔴 pic.twitter.com/uaSHd0W4nJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 6, 2022
‘I’m very pleased to be staying for another season,” the veteran revealed. ‘I have never taken playing for this club for granted and I never will’.
‘An overriding feeling for me – and a vitally important one in the process – was the belief I can still contribute to the team’, he continued. ‘The gaffer was clear what he thought and that was a big factor in me extending my contract’.
‘As long as I can still play my part, that’s not something easy to walk away from.’
Clubs turned down to ensure Merseyside future
As per Goal.com, Aston Villa and Newcastle were both interested in adding the England international to their side, only for Milner to eventually turn his former sides down in favour of an Anfield stay.
In doing so, he opted against a reunion with Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho at Villa Park, as well as a return to St James Park, while there were also reportedly offers from the MLS.
However, as Milner said himself, he clearly considers himself more than able to continue performing at the top level for at least another 12 months despite his age, and he will be hoping to add to his 289 appearances for the Reds.